Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out correctly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are often combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.